You may recall, we’ve been keeping you abreast of the efforts of the Passyunk Avenue Revitalization Corporation, revitalizing buildings on Passyunk Avenue (‘natch). Back in March, we checked in on 1911 E Passyunk Ave., a property that was early in the stages of renovation at that point. This storefront had looked terrible as recently as the beginning of this year. Now, through the efforts of PARC, the building looks one-hundred percent better, and a new tenant will be opening up shop in just a couple of days.

In January

Already better by March

Recent shot

According to Michael Klein, Will BYOB will be opening at 1911 E Passyunk Ave. on August 24th. The modern French establishment will attempt to use mostly local ingredients, certainly a…

We’ve brought a couple of projects to your attention from the people at  Passyunk Avenue Revitalization Corporation in the past. Most recently, we gave you heads up about a property across from the singing fountain that’s still in the process of being redone. Previously, we pointed out a couple of other PARC-driven rehab projects on Passyunk Avenue, restoring a couple of previously run down storefronts a little further south.

Today, we bring a different PARC project to your attention, this time away from the hustle and bustle of the Avenue. 1131-37 Wharton St. was, for years, the home of Citizens Alliance for Better Neighborhoods, the precursor to PARC. It was also a phenomenally ugly building. Take a look:

In the past

Muddled view of the stucco facade of the Titan St. side

…

Last month, we told you about the efforts of the Passyunk Avenue Revitalization Corporation to renovate properties on Passyunk Avenue. PARC rehabbed 1840 E Passyunk Ave., turning a T Mobile store into a comic book shop and an apartment. Construction had only just begun at 1911 E Passyunk Ave., another PARC property.

1840 E Passyunk

1911 E Passyunk, over a month ago

There’s definitely been progress at 1911 E. Passyunk Ave. in the last month and a half, and PARC has had some interest in the retail space from restaurateurs. No lease just yet, however. This space should be even more attractive once Noir, the restaurant replacing the short lived Sticks & Stones, opens next door.

Space is definitely looking better. Future Noir on the left.

Just yesterday, we…

When we last checked in on the Passyunk Avenue Revitalization Corporation, we told you all about the revitalization of the “singing fountain” at East Passyunk Ave. & Tasker St. Today, we share the tale of two of PARC’s mixed use properties that are getting a new lease on life.

1840 E Passyunk Ave., most recently a T Mobile Store, was truly one of the uglier properties on the Avenue. Vinyl siding, unfortunate signage, and a metal security gate all contributed to the cause.

In the past

Through PARC’s renovation efforts, the building looks like a million bucks. Vinyl is gone. Bricks appear repointed. Cornice is restored (and painted in Green Bay Packers colors). Flower boxes sit beneath the windows, and the retail space is greatly accentuated by the upgraded storefront. South Philly Comics moved in about a month ago,…